Once reserved for gala nights and wedding days, formal menswear is getting a modern refresh. Across the U.S., men are revisiting their approach to dressing up—not to return to outdated norms, but to redefine them entirely. In the process, two staples of formalwear are emerging in new ways: the custom-tailored suit and the timeless tuxedo.
A shift in expectations
As workplaces grow more flexible and weddings less traditional, men are no longer dressing up because they have to. They’re doing it because they want to. According to a 2024 survey by the American Menswear Council, 61% of men under 40 say they’d rather invest in one well-fitted, high-quality suit than buy multiple off-the-rack outfits.
That’s not a matter of style—it’s strategy. Today’s buyers are looking for versatility, longevity, and self-expression. The modern man doesn’t want to wear “a suit”; he wants to wear his suit.
That’s why custom suits are growing in popularity across generations. They offer not only a superior fit, but also the freedom to choose fabric, lining, button details, lapel width, and even stitching color. For professionals, grooms, and style-conscious men alike, it’s less about the formality and more about the freedom of choice.
The tuxedo’s quiet resurgence
While custom suiting gains ground in the day-to-day world of events, another classic piece is making its way back into evening wear and upscale celebrations: the tuxedo.
For a time, the tux felt like a relic—a holdover from a stricter, more uniform fashion era. But in the last three years, it’s made a comeback in red carpet fashion and weddings, especially among men who see it as a canvas for individuality, not conformity.
Today’s tuxedo isn’t always black. It might be midnight blue, velvet, or even off-white. Shawl collars, unique cufflinks, custom linings, and even sneaker pairings have brought the tux back into modern relevance.
Men are now mixing classic elements—like satin lapels—with modern tailoring and accessories, blurring the line between tradition and trend. The result? A formalwear option that feels timeless, but never tired.
What’s driving the change?
- Personalization culture: In an age of curated playlists, custom sneakers, and monogrammed phone cases, men expect their clothes to reflect who they are—not just the occasion.
- Better access: More tailors, both online and local, are offering accessible entry points for custom clothing.
- Sustainability: Fewer, better garments mean less waste—an increasingly important factor in consumer decision-making.
Formalwear for the real world
What’s clear in 2025 is that men want clothing that serves real purposes—not just to meet a dress code. They’re asking: Can I wear this again? Will I feel confident in it? Does it reflect me?
The answer lies in the rise of garments that offer not just style, but story. Whether it’s a tux with a hand-stitched family crest or a custom suit built for both boardroom and celebration, men are choosing pieces that feel personal—and purposeful.
Conclusion
The new wave of formalwear isn’t about bringing back stiff rules or rigid silhouettes. It’s about making formal feel natural—and personal again. With the return of custom suits and the evolution of the tuxedo, modern menswear is no longer about dressing up for tradition’s sake. It’s about dressing up on your own terms.
